ZAO Kurumi no Mori Horse Park (Zao Town)
Enjoy the forests of Zao from horseback
This experience overturns the idea that “horseback riding looks difficult.” After learning the basics—how to stop and turn the horse—you don’t spend ages practicing before heading out; instead, you set off straight into the natural beauty of Zao. The gentle riding horses let you relax and enjoy the ride, and through the reins you gradually start to feel a connection with your horse. Seen from the saddle, the sun-dappled forest and green meadows look different than usual. Before you know it, you’ll grow so fond of your horse that you’ll wish you could keep riding a little longer—a special time that brings a natural smile to your face.
| Experience Period: Year-round Duration: 30 minutes (60 minutes including instruction, etc.) Group Size: From 1 person (depends on the number of reservations and horses available) Age Limit: None (children may be led on a lead-line ride) Price: From ¥9,000(includes admission, riding fee, consumption tax, insurance, and rental fee) Reservation: Reservation required by phone by the day before Notes: Long pants and shoes with a heel (e.g., boots) recommended Address: 2-132 Dobuyama, Enda, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Phone: 090-4928-4459 Hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Irregular closing days Parking: 30 spaces Cashless Payment: Available Access: 20 min. by car from Murata IC on the Tohoku Expressway , 25 min. by car from Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway |
Matsushima Paragliding Experience (Shichigahama Town)
Enjoy the forests of Zao from horseback
Launching from Shobutahama Beach, the “Matsushima Paragliding Experience” offers a bird’s-eye view of Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. It’s the only motorized paragliding experience in the Tohoku region that flies over the sea, letting you savor the breathtaking scenery for over 10 minutes. Since an experienced pilot flies the two-seater, no piloting skill is required. After a safety briefing, put on your gear and take off! As you climb from sea level to a height of 200 m, nothing blocks the view as the deep blue sea and islands spread out below you. Taking photos with your smartphone or camera from the sky is another highlight. Enjoy a special time with Matsushima’s spectacular scenery all to yourself.
| Experience Period: Late March to late November Duration: 10 minutes (plus a separate 15-minute briefing) Group Size: From 1 person Age Limit: Age 5 and up Price: ¥14,000 (plus ¥500 insurance fee) Reservation: Reservation required online by the day before; same-day booking possible if space allows Notes: Clothing suitable for exercise (free rental of athletic shoes available); those weighing 80 kg or more cannot participate Inquiries: Kaze no Oka Address: Nagasuna,Shobutahama, Shichigahama-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Phone: 090-8255-9187 Hours: 10:00–17:00 (may be canceled due to bad weather) Closed: No closing days Parking: Shared parking for 1,000 vehicles Cashless Payment: Available Access:Take in Matsushima Bay from an altitude of 200 m [Matsushima Paragliding Experience (Shichigahama Town)]1 min. walk from Miyagi Kotsu “Shobuta” bus stop; 15 min. by car from JR Senseki Line Tagajo Station |
Tour of the Space Development Exhibition Room at JAXA Kakuda Space Center (Kakuda City)
Learn about the present state of space development through exhibits and simulations
JAXA Kakuda Space Center plays a central role in the research and development of Japan’s rocket engines. Its free-admission Space Development Exhibition Room was renovated and reopened in July! New additions include projection mapping that shows the flow of fuel on a model LE-7A engine and an experience that lets you physically feel air vibrations similar to those at an actual rocket launch. Along with displays of full-scale rocket parts and recovered components, the hall is packed with quizzes and simulation games for fun, hands-on learning. Get up close to the powerful rocket engines and experience the present state of space development firsthand.
| Experience Period: Year-round Duration: 30–60 minutes Group Size: None Age Limit: None Price:Free admission Reservation: Not required (groups of 15 or more should reserve by phone) Note: Open on weekdays only from November to March Address: 1 Koganesawa, Kimigaya, Kakuda, Miyagi Prefecture Phone: 050-3362-7500 Hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays(Nov–Mar); year-end and New Year holidays Parking: 25 spaces Cashless Payment:Not available Access: 30 min. by car from Murata IC on the Tohoku Expressway |
Night Karting at Sportsland SUGO (Murata Town)
Race through the night on a kart!
Rental karting is popular during the day too, but at night it takes on a special atmosphere, as if you were slicing through the darkness. No driver’s license is needed, and staff carefully explain how to operate the kart and navigate the course, so beginners can feel at ease. Although the top speed is only about 60 km/h, you sit so close to the road surface that it is said to feel like 100 km/h. Roaring around the corners of a hushed nighttime circuit with your engine echoing across the track delivers an exhilaration you can’t experience in everyday life. Floor the accelerator and blow away your stress.
| Experience Period: Designated days from April to November (check the website for specific dates) Duration: 10 minutes (Standard Plan); beginners receive a 30-minute briefing before riding Group Size: 1–7 people Age Limit: NoneNone (minimum height 145 cm) Price: ¥4,400 (rental helmet users must also purchase a face mask to wear underneath: ¥500) Reservation: Reservations required by phone; same-day bookings accepted. The Race Pack (groups of 5 or more; night sessions only; ¥5,400 per person) must be reserved at least 3 days in advance Notes: Unavailable during races or private bookings; please confirm by phone. Canceled in case of rain Address: 6-1 Sugo, Murata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Phone: 0224-83-3111 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (until 22:00 on night karting days) Closed: Closed irregularly Parking:5,000 spaces Cashless Payment: Not available Access: 5 min. by car from Sugo Smart IC on the Tohoku Expressway |
